Prospect of Player Pay Another Wrinkle for HBCU Schools Where Big NIL Deals Still Taking Root

The NCAA's NIL ruling has created new opportunities for student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). However, HBCU schools face unique challenges in navigating the NIL landscape.

One of the biggest challenges for HBCU schools is the lack of access to major donors. NIL deals are often funded by wealthy individuals or corporations, and HBCU schools often do not have the same relationships with these donors as Power 5 schools.

Another challenge for HBCU schools is the lack of brand recognition. NIL deals are often based on the athlete's marketability, and HBCU athletes often do not have the same level of national exposure as athletes from Power 5 schools.

Despite these challenges, HBCU schools are finding creative ways to help their student-athletes benefit from the NIL ruling. Some schools have created their own collectives, which are non-profit organizations that pool money from donors to fund NIL deals for student-athletes.

Other schools are partnering with local businesses to create NIL opportunities for their athletes. For example, Norfolk State University has partnered with a local restaurant to create a NIL deal for its football team.

The prospect of player pay is a major development for HBCU schools. However, these schools face unique challenges in navigating the NIL landscape. By finding creative ways to help their student-athletes benefit from NIL, HBCU schools can level the playing field and create new opportunities for their athletes.

Here are some additional challenges that HBCU schools face when it comes to NIL:

• Lack of resources
• Lack of infrastructure
• Lack of experience

Despite these challenges, HBCU schools are committed to finding ways to help their student-athletes benefit from NIL. Here are some of the things that HBCU schools are doing to address these challenges:

• Creating their own collectives
• Partnering with local businesses
• Providing education and support to student-athletes

The prospect of player pay is a major opportunity for HBCU schools. By addressing the challenges that they face, HBCU schools can help their student-athletes benefit from NIL and create new opportunities for their schools.